Skater culture has become a phenomenon throughout North American cities in recent years. With streetwear-inspired fashion and global culture, skater style has beyond its sporty roots and become a mainstream fashion movement. Dive into the world of skate culture and explore the elements that define the North American street fashion subculture.
1. Unraveling Skater Style: An Exploration of North American Street Fashion
Street fashion has always been an integral part of North American culture. It’s widely known that when it comes to style, the skate culture has helped shape mainstream trends for decades. Skater styles in particular, has become a major part of the fashion world and efforts to understand the intricacies of its appeal are ever-evolving. Through this post, we take a journey through the unique subculture that has impacted the way we dress today.
Exploring Color Palettes
- Vibrant & Eye-Catching
- Earthy & Neutral
One of the most prominent features of skater-style fashion is its use of bold hues and contrastive color palettes. The vibrancy of the colors are part of what makes skate fashion so eye-catching. It allows wearers to express themselves boldly and freely. The colors range from the electric blues, purples and yellows to earthy greens and browns. These colors often come together to form striking combinations and indicate a person’s respect for individuality.
Baggy Apparel and Streetwear
- Rugged Denim and Cargo Pants
- Loose fitting Shirts
- Printed T-Shirts & Graphically Bold Hoodies
The majority of skater style is comfortable and baggy. Loose fitting shirts, rugged denim and cargo pants, provide wearers with optimal freedom of movement. Graphically bold t-shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts make up a large proportion of the streetwear component of skater-style fashion. Popular brands such as Anti Social Social Club, Primitive Skate and Thrasher are staple names in this area. The heavily branded and graphic nature of skatewear apparel gives brands a nice place to create their own identity in the skate culture.
Accessories & Footwear
- Wide-Brimmed Hats
- Plain White Sneakers
- Backpacks & Duffle Bags
Accessories often complete a skater-style look. Some of the most popular accessories are wide-brimmed hats, backpacks and duffle bags. All of these pieces allow for an effortless way of carrying items and completing an outfit. Plain white sneakers are a staple in the skate culture. For those with a more streetwear-inspired style, sneakers such as Common Projects or Adidas Stan Smiths are on-trend. Ultimately, the look embodies the idea of showcasing an individual’s identity while keeping the entire look stylishly low-key.
From color combinations to accessories, a skater-style is highly sought-after and distinct. Despite being around for a number of years, the look is ever-evolving and one that all fashion enthusiasts continue to take cues from. Skater-style is here to stay and remains a go-to outfit option for many!
2. The History of Skater Subculture and Street Fashion
Skater subculture and its fashion have been around for decades, connecting global youth through their shared skate style. From its street style origins that started with skateboarding, the subculture has evolved as skate fashion meshed with streetwear culture.
The first wave of skateboarders is credited for starting the trend. In the 70s, skateboarding emerged as a fad in the affluent areas of the U.S.. With the surge in popularity, teens started wearing street-inspired styles. A typical skater look during this time included baggy jeans, oversized t-shirts, and Converse sneakers.
The 90s gave rise to the punk subculture and skater fashion infiltrated its rebellious style. Teens began wearing baggy, bright-colored clothes and classic flannel. And though the influence of skater fashion had been steadily increasing, it wasn’t until the mid- to late-90s that it reached its peak.
It was during this time when iconic clothing brands like Vans made their mark in skate culture. Vans skate shoes quickly became the essential footwear for any skater and the brand soon launched its apparel line. Soon brands like Adidas and Supreme were releasing pieces tailored to skaters and streetstyle.
Today, skater subculture is still strong and remains a major influence in street fashion. From bright neon colors to tracksuits, tees, shorts, and skirts, the skater style is ubiquitous in youth culture. Even luxury brands have begun incorporating skater aesthetics, from oversized silhouettes to classic skate patterns.
- 70s: baggy jeans, oversized t-shirts, Converse sneakers
- 90s: punk subculture, bright-colored flannels, Vans
- Today: neon colors, tracksuits, tees, shorts, skirts, oversized silhouettes, classic skate patterns
3. Street Style Inspirations: Millennial Trends and Classic Re-interpretations
Street style has been inspiring the world of fashion since the ‘70s. Whether it’s a vintage re-interpretation or a completely fresh design, fashion enthusiasts everywhere are always searching for new trends. Here are 3 millennial-inspired styles that are making waves in the street lifestyle today.
- The Flannel Look: This ubiquitous wardrobe staple has been embraced by millennials in recent years, making it one of the most popular street style trends. The flannel shirt can be seen worn with shorts, jeans or even a skirt to create a laid-back yet fashionable look.
- The Retro Trend: Another trend heavily influenced by millennials is the revival of classic pieces, such as vintage Levi’s corduroys, cowboy boots and classic band tees. This trend is perfect for those looking to make a statement while still nodding to the past.
- The Athleisure Dress Code: Last but certainly not least, athleisure clothing has become a staple in street style. Sweatshirts, leggings, and hoodies have all gained some serious popularity thanks to their comfort factor, while still staying stylish.
These must-have pieces are perfect for those looking to upgrade their wardrobe while still staying on top of the latest trends. As a result, these styles have become a main feature of the Millennial fashion scene.
If you’re looking to incorporate these trends into your wardrobe, pairing classic pieces with modern accents is a great way to create a statement look. For women, for example, adding edgy or punk-inspired accessories can elevate a classic denim and white tee look. Adding an oversized blazer or a leather handbag to a jeans and T-shirt combination can add some sophisticated edge.
Men can take cues from classic streetwear like the Puff Daddy style of the ‘90s for inspiration. Bomber jackets, plaid shirts, and cargo pants can all be re-interpreted for a modern look. Adding a trendy pair of sneakers to complete the ensemble is a cool way to stay fashionable.
Street style is all about creating unique looks that show off your personal style. So have fun, take risks, and get creative – these trendy millennial-inspired looks will help you cop some serious street style cred.
4. Skater Fashion: A Re-Birth of Radiance and Rebellion
Skating has garnered much attention in recent months as a top choice of recreational activity, with the growing number of dedicated skate parks, skateboard and gear outlets, and supportive, skater-friendly communities. But fashion has never been left behind in the skater lifestyle. There is a certain timelessness to the skater look, evident in its bold patterns and bright colours.
Today, the classic skater fashion is making a stylish, and more daring than ever, return among fashion lovers. We’re seeing lots of fresh designs and eclectic details that make dressing like a skater more fashionable than ever! You can make an impact with tie-dye pieces, retro print t-shirts, and streetwear blazers embellished with skater badges, pins, patches, and trims.
For boldness and individuality, skater fashion is unbeatable. Whether it’s a slouchy hoodie and sweatpants, or ripped cut-offs, a tank top, and a baseball cap, everyone can create their own version of cool with skater styles. Not to mention its endless customisation!
Not only is it a style trend, but it’s one with strong history and culture. Skaters were some of the earliest pioneers of rebellious fashion, and many iconic and influential brands like Supreme, Thrasher and Vans, started out as skate brands. Clearly, skater fashion holds a strong sense of identity, and that makes it more desirable and distinctive than ever before.
Skater fashion is a statement of freedom and expression! Its boldness creates a undeniable impact, so why not be creative and make it your own? Get yourself ready for a rad revival of skater fashion, and re-discover streetwear’s rebellious fashion side:
- Choose standout sweaters, bold flares, denim dungarees and jackets
- Accessorise with backpacks, caps and beanies, and stylish sneakers
- Have fun with colourful patterns, graphic details, and patches
- Own it with confidence and self-expression
Skater style is a unique culture that is popular among North American street fashion enthusiasts. From baggy bottoms to bright colors, skater style offers a wide range of choices that provide wearers with a unique flair and an image of rebellious individualism. With its variety and devoted supporters, skater style has grown into a distinct North American street fashion culture that will surely remain for years to come.
